Olin Corp. Workers End Strike

About 1,300 International Assn. of Machinists Local 778 ended their strike of Olin Corp.’s Winchester division at Lake City Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri, on Thursday. On May 6, workers there, on strike since April 4, ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the company and ended the strike: The next day, unionized workers arrived to resume work for Thursday, May 7’s day shift. The new agreement, according to local union membership, improves pay and offers “relief” from mandatory overtime scheduling.

According to Olin Winchester, which released a statement to local news site KSHB 41 Kansas City, the company praised its “dedicated workforce at Lake City” and said worker contributions are “the foundation of this facility’s success.”

“Winchester Ammunition is pleased to announce that IAM Local 778 has accepted our proposal, and we have reached an agreement addressing wages, work-life balance, and operational needs at the Lake City Army Ammunition facility,” the statement read in part. “We recognize the role of union leadership throughout negotiations and remain grateful for the community's support during this period. As a leading manufacturer in Missouri, we remain committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and economic partner in the region.”

In a statement, IAM International President Brian Bryant said the strike was needed and applauded workers. ““I am proud of these members for their courage and sacrifice,” Bryant said. “The members of IAM Local 778 took the necessary action to make their workplace better and make each other’s lives better.”

IAM Local 778 Directing Business Representative Scott Brown said the agreement “met the needs of our membership,” while IAM Midwest Territory General VP Sam Cicinelli also highlighted the improvements to “work-life balance” due to the contract’s new mandatory overtime limits.